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Erin Gruwell, 'Freedom Writers' Author, to Discuss 'Teaching Hope' on Sept. 3
8/26/2009
AURORA, Ill. — Erin Gruwell, author of the best-selling "Freedom Writers Diary," will discuss and sign her latest book, "Teaching Hope," at Aurora University at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, in Crimi Auditorium in the Institute for Collaboration, 407 S. Calumet Ave. in Aurora.
The public is invited. Admission is free. Seating is limited to 500 people.
Gruwell will sign her latest book, "Teaching Hope," the story of 150 Freedom Writers teachers nationwide, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
Several Chicago-area teachers who adopted Gruwell's methods for teaching high-need students are expected to attend.
Gruwell was portrayed by Hollywood star Hillary Swank in "Freedom Writers," a 2006 Paramount Pictures hit film based on Gruwell's teaching experiences in California.
Her appearance is sponsored by AU's Future Educators Association, part of the College of Education.
In 1993, Gruwell began her teaching career at Wilson High School in Long Beach, Calif. Her class was filled with students deemed unteachable and written off by the education system.
Fostering an educational environment that valued and promoted diversity, Gruwell transformed her students to become critical thinkers, aspiring college students and citizens for change.
Gruwell discussed "Becoming a Catalyst for Change" and signed her "Freedom Writers Diary" book at AU in May 2008.
Call (630) 844-6233 or (630) 844-7578 for more information.
